What's Open and Closed?
While Election Day, the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, is designated for federal, state, and local general elections, it is not a federal holiday. This means many businesses and services will remain open, though some exceptions exist.
Banks and ATMs will be open on Election Day, as it is not a federal holiday. Major banks like Wells Fargo and Citi will be open on November 5th, but will be closed on November 11th for Veterans Day.
The U.S. Postal Service will also be open on Election Day, as it is not a federal holiday. They will be delivering ballots mailed ahead of Election Day, but recommend that voters mail their ballots by October 29th to ensure timely delivery. Regular mail delivery will also occur on November 5th.
Some states recognize Election Day as a public holiday, which means some offices, including Department of Motor Vehicle offices, may be closed on November 5th. It's important to check with your local DMV for their specific holiday hours.
Most stores will be open on Election Day, as it is not a federal holiday. This includes major retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Target. However, some stores may have modified hours to accommodate workers who are voting.
Bars and liquor stores are open on Election Day in all states. South Carolina repealed its ban on liquor sales on Election Day in 2014, joining the rest of the nation in permitting alcohol sales on voting day.
Some schools are closed on Election Day, partly because some educational facilities double as polling stations. It's best to check with your local school district for their specific holiday schedule.
While some state offices will be closed on Election Day, workers in 28 states are guaranteed voting leave to take time off from work to cast their ballots.
Other municipal offices could also be closed in states or cities that observe Election Day as a holiday. For example, New York state and city courts will be closed on November 5th, as well as New York City offices.
It's always a good idea to check with specific businesses and organizations for their individual holiday hours on Election Day. You can usually find this information on their websites or by calling them directly.